Breaking News: Death of Muhammadu Buhari

Muhammadu Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025 in London at the age of 82, while undergoing medical treatment The Guardian Nigeria+13Reuters+13The Guardian Nigeria+13 Sahara Reporters+6The Washington Post+6Wikipedia+6.
Sources such as The Washington Post, AP News, Reuters, and The Guardian confirm the timeline and circumstances of his passing including the announcement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu The Washington Post.
A statement from SaharaReporters notes that he died of leukaemia following a prolonged illness, although this is not yet confirmed by official government or family sources Sahara Reporters.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered national flags to be flown at half-staff, dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to London to escort Buhari’s body back to Nigeria, and declared an official period of mourning Leadership News+3AP News+3Wikipedia+3.

Buhari’s Legacy and Career Summary

Buhari first headed Nigeria as a military ruler from December 1983 to August 1985 and later transitioned into a democratic leader, serving two terms as civilian president from 2015 to 2023 Nairametrics+7The Washington Post+7Reuters+7.
He became the first opposition candidate to unseat a sitting president in Nigeria’s history when he won the 2015 election against Goodluck Jonathan, and successfully won re‑election in 2019 AP News+4The Washington Post+4The Guardian Nigeria+4.
His administration prioritized anti‑corruption, infrastructure reform, and combating extremist violence, although it also faced criticism over economic downturns, prolonged medical absences abroad, and human rights controversies including the handling of the End SARS protests Wikipedia+7The Washington Post+7AP News+7.
Upon completing his constitutionally mandated two terms, he peacefully left office in May 2023, succeeded by fellow APC member Bola Tinubu Legit.ng - Nigeria news.+1Reddit+1.

Funeral arrangements and state burial plans are being finalized in Nigeria, with more detailed schedules expected to be released soon Nairametrics.
National and international tributes are pouring in, and government institutions are preparing formal memorial events in his honor Wikipedia.

Item	Detail
Date of Death	July 13, 2025, in London
Age	82 years old
Cause	Leukaemia suspected (unofficial)
Military Rule	1983–1985
Civilian President	2015–2023
Historic Note	First opposition candidate to unseat incumbent president
Legacy	Mixed – anti-corruption reforms vs. economic and human rights criticisms
Successor	Bola Ahmed Tinubu